Can We Migrate Our Analysis Routines to Python? Introduction • Can we migrate our analysis routines to Python? - MATLAB is powerful, but it’s expensive. - Capable open-source alternatives exist and are thriving. • Recent developments in scientific Python libraries have made migration from MATLAB to Python possible and attractive. • The IADS Group uses multiple MATLAB licenses. Dominance of MATLAB • MATLAB is the standard language for engineering analysis. • No need to be a programmer to solve engineering problems. • Used for collaboration and development of analysis routines. • MATLAB is required for study in an engineering curriculum - ECE 309 (CSUN), “Numerical Methods in Electrical Engineering”, is now taught using MATLAB. It was taught using Pascal in the 1980s… Dependence on MATLAB • IADS uses MATLAB to prototype new analysis routines. • IADS uses MATLAB to test and maintain data export and import. We need MATLAB! • IADS uses a set of MATLAB scripts to test Autospectrum and PSD results for Every Release. • IADS is dependent upon MATLAB. Problems with Dependency • Budget constraints mean fewer licenses and toolboxes are available. • MATLAB version changes force retest What happens of data interfaces. if they take MATLAB away • Retest requires an active license. from us? • Test Scripts are unusable without a license. • Having no backup plan in place is risky. Requirements for a Replacement • Should have broad industry acceptance. • Should have scientific libraries that mimic functionality that is commonly used in MATLAB by the flight test community. • Should have similar syntax. • Total MATLAB functionality is not necessary for our purposes, but it would be nice for going forward. • Should be relatively free of periodic licensing hassles. Open-Source Alternatives • A Google search brings these up: - GNU Octave Google says try - Scilab & Xcos these. - Python/NumPy/SciPy Gnu Octave Octave’s Modern Development Environment Gnu Octave • IADS Team evaluated Octave right after MATLAB was in use. - User Interface was cumbersome. - Windows installation package wasn’t comprehensive. • Modern Octave install with IDE warrants another evaluation. • MATLAB and Octave are basically dialects. - MATLAB script can be dropped right in. - Some library manipulation necessary? SciLab and Xcos SciLab’s Modern Development Environment Scilab and Xcos • IADS Team also tried Scilab right after MATLAB was in use. - User Interface was cumbersome. - Windows installation package wasn’t comprehensive. - Syntax different enough to cause initial difficulty. • Modern Octave install with IDE plus Simulink alternative Xcos warrants another evaluation. Python/SciPy/Matplotlib • Anaconda install is comprehensive – Spyder IDE intuitive. • Can be installed free on any Windows PC. • Syntax different enough to cause initial difficulty like SciLab. • Wide array of available libraries is incentive to push forward. • Plots from Matplotlib look good. • Wide industry acceptance is hard to ignore. • Python also functions as a general-purpose programming language. Practical Results with Python • Working PSD and Autospectrum test script • Working RFP Curve Fit test script • Bessel Filter added to IADS using SciPy for test • Collaboration with users that do not have MATLAB is possible • IADS Group can trim MATLAB Subscription down to one License for data interface testing. Python Downsides • Must translate scripts for collaboration with MATLAB users. • There is no Simulink “clone” in Python yet. • Requires learning new syntax and array/matrix constructs. • Requires translation of existing MATLAB-based tools. • Not all MATLAB functions are supported in SciPy. - ScyPy’s documentation lists everything available - New development is happening constantly. Conclusions • Python/SciPy are sufficient for the IADS Group to replace the MATLAB analytical capabilities used presently. • Total elimination of MATLAB licenses is not possible or necessary for the IADS Group. • Some combination of the open-source applications presented here may possibly completely replace MATLAB for many should the need arise. • Python/SciPy Octave and SciLab are now serious, professional engineering analysis tools. Contact Information For further information regarding IADS contact: Patrick Mattingly Vice President SYMVIONICS, Inc. (661) 273-7003 x206 E-mail: [email protected] Commercially available product. Numerous contracting options are available to procure IADS, including GSA contracting vehicles. For more information about SYMVIONICS, see our web site www.symvionics.com, or contact: Richard A. Weeks Executive Vice President SYMVIONICS, Inc. (626) 585-0115 E-mail: [email protected] .